The Day of the Dead

   Many traditions are shared by every family that participates in this holiday. Some families will develop customs unique to themselves.

Some common traditions associated with this celebration are:

1. Ofrendas  which are altars  with pictures and offerings for the dead.

2. Sugar Skulls which represent death and the sweetness of life.

3. Calacas which are skeletons and representations of death.

4. Cempazúchitl which is a type of marigold (flower).

5. White and Purple (for grief) candles as the flames mean hope and faith.

6. Sometimes, people will throw massive parties in cemeteries to celebrate. They will clean up the gravemarkers and plots, set up ofrendas, and spend the evening celebrating with food, family, and music.

7. Some towns will have parades as well.